How to Make Spider Repellent at Home

Co-authored by Hussam Bin Break

Last Updated: September 30, 2023 Fact Checked

Natural spider repellents are easy to make at home and work just as well as commercial repellents, without the drawback of containing chemicals and toxins that are bad for your health and the health of your pets. Many of these natural repellents involve using ingredients unpleasant to spiders, such as essential oils and ammonia, to deter them from entering your home and encourage them to leave. By using sprays and deterrents around the points of entry in your house such as cracks or crevices and around windows and doors, you can effectively deter spiders without any negative consequences to your health.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Essential Oil Spray

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1
Combine essential oils and water. Pour seven drops of essential oil in an empty 16 ounce (473.17 ml) glass spray bottle. Then fill the spray bottle up until until about one inch (2.54 cm) from the top with warm water.^{[1]
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- Use either peppermint, tea tree, citrus, lavender or neem essential oil, as these oils are proven to repel spiders.
- Try to use a glass spray bottle, as essential oils can sometimes react with plastic.
2
Add dish soap and shake. Add a small squirt of liquid dish soap into the spray bottle, then place the top on the bottle and shake so that the mixture is combined.^{[2]
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- Because oil and water don’t mix, dish soap is needed to break apart the oil molecules so that they can mix in with the water.
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Spray on entry points. Spray the essential oil spray on any entry points in your house, including around window frames, door cracks, and any crevices that you may notice in your home. Also spray any corners where spiders tend to congregate.^{[3]
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- If you are spraying furniture or carpets, keep in mind that the oil may leave a stain. Spot test an inconspicuous area of the upholstery or carpet by spraying and making sure the repellent doesn’t alter its color before using.
Natural repellents need to be reapplied more often than chemical-based ones, so make sure that you reapply the spray once a week.^{[4]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making Other Repellent Sprays

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1
Make an ammonia repellent. Combine 1 part ammonia and 1 part water in a spray bottle, then close the spray bottle and shake. Spray the ammonia spray around entry points in your house and other places where spiders tend to gather. Reapply the spray every week.
- Instead of making a spray, you can also dip a cloth in the solution and use it to wipe around the entry points of your house for a more concentrated application.
Combine one part vinegar to two parts water in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Spray the vinegar spray around doorways, window frames, or other points of entry in your house, reapplying the spray every week for the best results.
3
Make a saltwater spray. Pour half an ounce (14.78 ml) of salt into a half gallon (1.89 liters) of warm water and mix until the salt is dissolved. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Use the spray on points of entry to deter spiders, reapplying the spray once a week.^{[5]
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- Spraying salt water directly on a spider can kill it.
Fill a spray bottle almost to the top with hot water, then add a healthy pinch of tobacco. Allow the tobacco to soak into and infuse the water for about an hour, then spray the mixture around the entry points of your home. The strong smell of the tobacco will drive away unwanted spiders.^{[6]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Laying Down Repellent Materials

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Place a sprinkling of cedar shavings or several blocks of cedar around points of entry and spider-infested areas. You can also lay down cedar mulch in your garden or around the perimeter of your house. The strong smell of cedar will deter spiders and drive them away.^{[7]
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2
Use diatomaceous earth. Sprinkle 100% food-grade diatomaceous earth lightly on points of entry around your home, such as around window sills and doors. Keep in mind that diatomaceous earth will kill spiders, so if you only want to deter them, use a different substance.^{[8]
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- Diatomaceous earth is picked up on spiders’ legs and lower bodies and works by slowly dehydrating the spiders until they die.
- Though diatomaceous earth kills spiders and insects, it is safe for you and your pets.
Sprinkle baking soda around your house in points of entry or around the areas where you notice the most spiders. The smell of baking soda will drive the spiders away from your home.
Place unshelled chestnuts around the various points of entry in your home and areas favored by spiders. Though there is some controversy around the effectiveness of using chestnuts as repellent, with some calling it an old wives tale, others swear by them!^{[9]
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Rub entry points of your home such as windowsills, doorways and cracks with citrus peels. You can even scatter citrus peels around your home in inconspicuous places to strengthen the effect of this deterrent.^{[10]
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Because spiders hate the scent of tobacco, you can sprinkle small bits of tobacco around your home to drive away pesky spiders.^{[11]
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Scatter bay leaves, whole cloves, turmeric, or ground black pepper around the exterior of your house or around entry points inside your home to drive away spiders.

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Where do spiders like to live?

Hussam Bin Break
Pest Control Professional
Hussam Bin Break is a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator and Operations Manager. He and his brother Hussam co-founded Diagno Pest Control in the greater Philadelphia area in 2018, and have since expanded their services to include the New Jersey market. Diagno Pest Control has received Home Advisor's Top Rated and Elite Service Badges for quality of work and customer service.

Hussam Bin Break

Pest Control Professional

Expert Answer

Spiders are most commonly found around windows and near doors. They hang around these spots because it's where the insects they eat tend to congregate.

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Tips

If you don’t want to lay down a spider repellent, you can also clean your house with lemon-scented cleaners and burn citrus candles to deter spiders.

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You can also grow an herb garden outside your home, which will dissuade spiders from approaching your lawn or house.

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In addition to using repellents, try to seal any cracks or crevices around your home that spiders may be using to get inside.

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Be sure to use essential oils (i.e. Peppermint), NOT scented oils. Peppermint also helps to deter mice!
Diatomaceous earth is becoming increasingly more available at co-ops and organic food stores.

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